Seniors face long wait times for continuing care as aging population grows

Canmore, AB According to Alberta Health Services Third Quarter Performance Report, released April 10, 2017, 2016-2017 only 56 per cent of Alberta’s seniors in need of long term care or supportive living were placed within 30 days.

Many seniors requiring memory care services are in immediate need and can’t wait. Origin at Spring Creek has memory care homes available right now and has launched a rental program.

Its Morning Star House (a memory care neighbourhood of Origin at Spring Creek) is specifically designed for those looking for extra care and daily assistance. Memory care staff work closely with medical professionals and seniors’ families to create a personalized plan. Origin’s unique concept combines a wholistic approach to personal care and a gentle resident-centered philosophy.

According to Statistics Canada for the first time in Canadian history thanks to aging baby boomers, there are almost 100,000 more seniors than there are young people with the over 65 population sitting at 5.9 million, while the under 14 population sits at 5.8 million. Not only are Canadians getting older but they are living longer, according to the 2016 Census 770,780 of the Canadian population are 85 years and over. Projections show that persons aged 65 years and older will continue to increase and reach 20 per cent by 2024 and 25 per cent by 2055.

AHS also mentioned in its report that the opening of some continuing care spaces has had to be deferred to reduce the rate of spending for 2016-17. This has led to seniors being faced with longer waits and higher waitlists to be placed in continuing care living options. AHS has projected that it will open 506 beds in 2016-17 while other projects will be delayed until 2017-18.

Baby boomers began turning 65 in 2011 and the number of seniors has continually increased along with the need for continuing care beds.

“We understand how difficult it can be for seniors to find the care they need,” says Neil Prashad, president and CEO of Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, “We are working hard to do our part in providing homes and excellent care.”

At Origin at Spring Creek, the Morning Star House suites provide an intimate and nurturing environment that feels as close to home as possible. The Origin Way promotes healthy living and gentle care to nurture the body, mind and spirit.

Photo caption: Origin at Spring Creek has memory care homes available right now and has launched a rental program.
Photo credit: Origin at Spring Creek

“When it became apparent that my partner needed special attention due to memory loss I was worried we would be forced to live apart,” says Jill Nokes. “Then I heard about Origin at Spring Creek and was able to buy a place for myself while he went into the Morning Star House. Now I can see him every day and witness the excellent care he is receiving.”

Sometimes with couples one is in a position where they need more care than the other and often get separated as a result. Origin at Spring Creek’s aging in place concept allows couples to stay together. An independent or assisted living suite can be purchased for one partner while the other stays in a Memory Care unit. This allows couples to feel comfortable and continue to have easy access to quality time with their spouse at any stage of life.

Morning Star Memory Care suites include the following in all-inclusive monthly fees:

Highly trained staff on duty 24 hrs/day

24 hr. emergency response system

Separate Dining Room inclusive of Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Scheduled bus transportation

Fully wheelchair accessible

Coordination of outside related health services as needed

Full menu of daily recreational & life enrichment programming

Daily bed making & weekly housekeeping

Weekly linen and personal laundry service

Assisted Bathing, twice weekly

Access to Origin at Spring Creek’s Evergreen Spa Services

There are currently several suites still available in Origin at Spring Creek. To learn about Morning Star rates contact Spring Creek at 403-678-2288 or email leasing@originspringcreek.ca. For inquires into all other Origin at Spring Creek suites call 403.678.6066 or email sales@springcreekmv.com to schedule a visit or set up a trial stay.

Origin at Spring Creek is a 65+ senior’s community developed by Frank Kernick, a third-generation resident of Canmore, in partnership with Origin Active Lifestyles. The community combines the neighbourhood’s emphasis on luxury mountain living with life-enriching programs and amenities for active retirees and seniors who love the Bow Valley.